How I wage spiritual warfare on their behalf

As a young girl in junior high Sunday school class I recall being introduced to the shocking and tragic account in Ezekiel 22 of God’s search throughout Israel for someone who might intercede on behalf of his wayward people. When no one could be found to “stand in the gap” before him, he poured out judgment on sin. Later, as a college student, I was touched by Moses’ prayer in Exodus 32 that spared the people destruction after they dabbled in idolatry.

During nightly devotions with my husband, I read in Job 42 that God’s anger at the three miserable comforters was assuaged when Job offered a burnt sacrifice and prayed for his friends at God’s command. The message for me was clear: Praying for others works.

I am the mother of four children ranging in age from six months to 10 years. Like most Christian parents I am concerned about the effect a sinful world will have on their resolve to live a consistent Christian life that truly glorifies God. The Bible has reinforced to me what was already obvious: Believers have a responsibility to intercede for their kids. Most at least occasionally call their children’s names in prayer, but what does it really take to reach God for those he has entrusted to us? Here are four keys I rely on for effective spiritual warfare on behalf of the most precious thing in the world to me.

1. Consistency
For me, hit-and-miss praying rarely does the job. Intercession is a spiritual discipline that requires motivation and dedication. Luke 18:1 says we are “to pray always and not to lose heart.” Just as you must water a garden or go to school consistently over an extended period of time for best results, so I pray for my kids day after day without stopping. Perhaps this is what Paul meant in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 when he wrote, “Pray without ceasing.” When a parent tirelessly goes before the Father year upon year, the power unleashed on behalf of the child becomes a mighty, unstoppable force that pulls down strongholds and brings protection and victory.

2. Fervency
James 5:16 (KJV) speaks of “effectual fervent prayer.” Jesus himself prayed so earnestly before going to the cross that he sweat great drops of blood (Luke 22:44). Successful prayers must be heartfelt, sincere, determined and serious. It is difficult for me to do spiritual battle in intercession if I am distracted, bored, in a hurry or not fully convinced of the necessity of prayer. I have asked God to give me a burden for my children’s spiritual welfare that will burn within my heart like a consuming fire and compel me to pray with zeal. I believe that results will be forthcoming.

3. Specificity
“God, please keep your hand on my kids” sounds nice, but it is not a directed, goal-oriented prayer. I think long-term. I want my 3-year-old to marry the right person someday. I hope my first grader chooses the college or vocation that God has for him. And then there’s moral chastity. In today’s corrupt society, it is critical for me to begin praying about my children’s sexual purity now—years before they reach adolescence. Remember that Jesus taught his disciples to say, “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13 KJV). Following are the specific prayers I plan to keep offering up for many more years.

• For my children to be protected from accidents, diseases and people who would prey upon them.
• For my younger children to become Christians as soon as they are old enough to be responsible for making that decision.
• For my children to select friends that will encourage them to live for God.
• For my children to be morally pure and protected from premarital/extramarital sexual temptations.
• For my children to be protected from rebellion as they approach the teen years.
• For my children to be placed in the classrooms of the right teachers, who can positively influence them.
• For my children to choose the right jobs, careers, college majors or vocations.
• For my children to be producers in God’s kingdom and not just takers.
• For the right mate for each of my children.
• For myself as a parent to be given wisdom to train, teach and discipline my children properly.
• For myself as a parent to set a consistent and Christlike example.

4. Praying together
My kids seem to learn from the example I set, and prayer is no different. I need to pray for them privately, telling God intimate concerns and fears. However, it seems to encourage the kids to live the best they can when I make a daily habit of praying for them in front of them. Our best time is beside the front door before the school bus comes in the morning. The two older ones stand there holding lunch boxes and backpacks, and the 3-year-old huddles with us still dressed in feet pajamas. We pray about the little girl in my son’s class who says her folks won’t take her to church and who checked a Bible out of the library. We pray about my daughter’s standardized exams. We ask God to give the kids a chance to do good things for other people and be a light for him. We ask for protection for their daddy as he commutes to and from his job. Since my husband has already left for work when they wake up, he prays with them at night in their rooms before bed. Someday, when they are grown and out of the house, I want them to have these memories burned into their hearts to strengthen them and spur them on to pray for themselves and their children.

Even if your kids are already grown and on their own, it is not too late to begin consistent intercession before God on their behalf. I once heard Pastor John Hagee of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, say on television: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.” I encourage you not to waste even one minute regretting what should have been done in the past. Determine today to use the knowledge you now have to wage spiritual warfare for the souls of your children and/or grandchildren.

Time-consuming and sometimes exhausting? Yes. But I assure you that you will never make a better investment that pays higher dividends in your entire life.

Sarah Breese McCoy lives in Owasso, Okla.